CONSTIPATION IN PETS

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Constipation is a fairly common affliction among inadequately exercised pets who are fed a commercial diet; and not-so-surprisingly, it is a rare occurrence among pets who are fed a natural diet and are well-exercised.

The easiest way to prevent (and resolve) this condition is to provide a nutritious natural diet with ample drinking water, fresh air, and plenty of exercise, and for cats, a clean litter box. There is one factor that needs to be considered when switching your companion to an all-natural diet: raw bones may cause temporary diarrhea or constipation as the animal’s system adjusts to this new diet. During the initial period of introducing all-natural diet, feed raw meaty bones every few days, rather than every day; and boost digestion with enzymes, cider vinegar or bitter herbs such a minced dandelion.

Other than that, if your companion is suffering from constipation, try any (or all) of the following therapies:

1. Nutritional Therapy
   • Add additional fiber to their diet in the form of grated carrots, apples, and other minced or puréed fruits and vegetables.
   • If stools are dry, increase fluid consumption by adding fresh carrot or apple juice, or water to their food
   • Add a pinch of unrefined sea salt to their food.
   • Soak bran, powdered psyllium husks, pectin or combination of these herbs to water or fruit juices and add to their breakfast and dinner. Administer 1 teaspoon in the morning and evening for small animals, and 1 tablespoon
     for larger animals.
   • Most dogs and some cats enjoy soaked and softened figs, prunes, and dates. Purée them or feed directly to the animal once a day.
2. Homeopathy
   • Give 1 tablet of Nux vomica 6c every 12 hours for three days to pets that strain to relieve themselves, only producing small amounts, especially if the animal avoids petting, withdraws and is irritable.
   • Give Silica 6c when weak rectal muscles do not expel fecal matter and it slips back in; give 1 tablet every 12 hours for three days.
3. Herbal Therapy
   • Add finely minced wheatgrass and garlic to food
   • If constipation persists, add a small pinch of powdered senna leaf or cascara sagrada to water or juice both in the morning and evening for 2 to 3 days. If bowel movements don’t normalize, increase the dosage for 2 additional days.
4. Exercises
   • Take your dog out for long walks, hiking, swimming; keep him out in the fresh air and natural light as much as possible, and give him every opportunity to relieve himself. Follow the same advice as much as possible for cats, rabbits, birds, and other pets.

If following these home remedies does not resolve your pet’s constipation concerns, please consult a veterinarian to make sure there are no serious underlying reasons causing this problem.